Tag Archive for: #towntalk

TownTalk: Combine Fun and Safety For July 4th Festivities

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However you decide to enjoy the upcoming July 4 holiday, law enforcement officials and others cannot stress enough the importance of remembering basic safety rules to keep the next few days a positive experience that produces good memories.

The long holiday weekend surely will be filled with cookouts, water activities and fireworks, just to name a few. But any activity can take a turn when safety rules aren’t observed.

Here’s a compilation of do’s and don’ts from Vance Sheriff Curtis, Mark Ezzell, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, and others to make sure everyone enjoys the holiday.

  • Know what fireworks are acceptable for personal use where you live.
  • Don’t let children light fireworks – let them enjoy from a safe distance.
  • Never try to re-light a “dud.” Discard it and use another.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose at the ready when setting off fireworks.
  • Swim where there’s a lifeguard on duty.
  • If you’re at the pool, walk, don’t run on the pool deck.
  • No diving into pools except in authorized diving areas.
  • NEVER leave a child unattended near water, whether it’s a pool, pond, lake or ocean.
  • If you hear thunder, even in the distance, get out of the water.
  • Heed flags posted at the beach that indicate safety regarding swimming and rip currents.
  • Whether the vehicle is on the highway or in the water, drivers should NOT drink and get behind the wheel. Operation Firecracker Booze It and Lose It is in full swing through July 9, and Operation Dry Water runs from July 1-3.

 

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TownTalk: Cats And Kittens Need Your Help

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Animal rescue organizations – especially those that focus on felines – are feeling the ripple effects of COVID-19 restrictions that shuttered spay and neuter clinics.

Lawanna Johnson, president of Franklin County-based Purr Partners, said the number of kittens being born this year is mainly due to the fact that those clinics couldn’t perform spay and neuter procedures.

Johnson spoke with WIZS co-host Bill Harris Wednesday during the People and Pets segment of TownTalk. She estimated that more than 3 million of the spay/neuter surgeries weren’t able to be done because the clinics were, at the time, deemed non-essential services.

Now, even with pandemic restrictions largely removed, “clinics are so backed up you can’t get appointments,” she noted.

There simply aren’t many low-cost spay and neuter options in the four-county area, and Johnson estimates that she gets 50 calls a day from folks in the community asking for suggestions or help with cats that have shown up in their area.

Originally started as a not-for-profit cat adoption program to assist high-kill shelters in the area, Purr Partners has shifted some of its attention in the wake of this continuing crisis and has started a program in Franklin County it calls “Wandering Whiskers.”

This program focuses on a three-step process called trap/neuter/release, or TNR, for short.

“We have shifted our budget to start trying to deal with this problem,” Johnson said, and the word is getting out.

Purr Partners can help Franklin County residents get feral colonies or community cats spayed or neutered through Wandering Whiskers. The only caveat, Johnson said, is that the residents have to agree to take the cats back and continue to feed them.

Right now, they’re able to help 30-40 cats each month. The program has a Facebook page and can be contacted at Wanderingwhiskers21@yahoo.com.

Unlike dogs that come into heat twice a year, cats can come into heat every couple of months, which exacerbates the problem, Johnson said.

Purr Partners always needs volunteers to help out, whether it’s by fostering cats or simply educating the public. Johnson said the current mantra is “spay one stray.”

At any given time, Purr Partners has up to 250 cats available for adoption. There are about 50 volunteers dedicated to help foster the animals, socialize them and get them ready for adoption. There are another 10 or so who agree to be temporary fosters.

Three PetSmart locations across Wake County serve as adoption centers for Purr Partners and volunteers have meet and greets on the weekends for prospective cat owners at the PetSmarts in Wake Forest and in Raleigh on Capital Boulevard and Six Forks Road.

Visit www.purrpartners.org to learn more about becoming a volunteer or to make a donation.

TownTalk: Turning Point CDC Takes The Kids To DC

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There are still some open seats on the bus to Washington, DC that Turning Point CDC has chartered for later this summer, and Chalis Henderson invites anyone in the community to consider joining the adventure.

Henderson, Turning Point’s executive director, was a guest on TownTalk and said the bus departs bright and early on Friday, July 21 – 4 a.m., to be exact.

“Our trip is open to everyone,” she said. “We’re going to have a full day out in the city,” planning to return to Henderson by 10 p.m.

“It’s going to be an action-packed day,” Henderson said, which includes visits to the African American Museum of History and Culture and then the National Mall.

The price is $100 per person and doesn’t include meals, she said. And an adult should accompany each young person.

Providing the community access to such cultural activities is part of Turning Point’s mission. “Being able to provide a community trip is very special.”

Turning Point’s summer campers and staff have taken some of the 56 seats on the bus, but there are still about 20 left.

Register online at www.turningpointcdc.org. or call 252.621.5190 to learn more.

The Washington trip is one way to engage the community, but Henderson said Turning Point’s 13th annual Community Day is another way to bring a variety of resources and agencies together at one location for a sort of one-stop shopping.

Turning Point is teaming up with Oasis of Hope Ministry, its companion agency founded in 2001.

“We’ll have a  ton of community resource partners,” Henderson said. The free event will be on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Turning Point/Oasis of Hope campus off Norlina Road, just past Skipper’s  Forsyth’s restaurant.

There will be backpacks – courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield – and a school supplies giveaway, not to mention children’s activities, food, ice cream, music and more.

“We’re excited to give back to the community on Community Day,” she said.

“A lot of our nonprofit friends will be joining us.”

Visit www.turningpointcdc.org to learn about the services and programs that Turning Point offers.

Make donations online, drop them in the mail at Turning Point CDC, P.O. 2656, Henderson, NC 27536, or better yet, stop in and see how the resources are being used, Henderson said.

 

 

TownTalk: Dingee Promises To Be Stingy As State Auditor

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Charles Dingee is running for N.C. Auditor in next year’s general election, and the slogan he’s come up is helpful for voters to know how to pronounce his name and remember the office he’s seeking: Dingee will be stingy with taxpayer dollars.

Dingee was a guest on TownTalk Monday and talked about his platform and areas of improvement with the state auditor’s office.

The election is more than a year away – November 2024 – but Dingee said it’s not too early to campaign.

“We are crisscrossing the state and educating voters,” Dingee said, “letting them know why I’m the best person to do this job.”

The state auditor is a member of the Council of State, a 10-member body comprised of elected officials that is part of the executive branch of state government.

Dingee said the first things he’d do as auditor is to seek funding code reform and to make the anonymous tip line public.

Citizens who suspect fraud or other wrongful acts within state government can call the tip line.

With more than 120 employees, the auditor’s office should be the vehicle that ensures transparency, he said, “responsible for making sure your money – your taxpayer money – gets where it’s supposed to be.”

Dingee has experience with the banking industry and with running his own business. Small business owners “know the value of a penny (and) make sure every penny is accounted for.”

His “strong conservative business background,” coupled with his Republican affiliation, are what make him the better candidate for the job currently held by five-time incumbent Beth Wood.

“Frankly, the current state auditor hasn’t been doing (the) job.”

In addition, he said he wants to see all larger state agencies undergo an annual – or at least biannual – audit. For example, the state Board of Elections hasn’t had an audit in 13 years, and that’s too long.

“I would like to hope that our bureaucratic officials …are doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” he explained. “But if nobody’s looking, is everthing ok?”

“Government should work for the people – government should be letting people know this is what we’re doing. I’m going to make sure it happens when I’m your state auditor.”

Visit https://charlesdingee.com/ to learn more.

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TownTalk: Berry Village Proposed For Dabney Rd.

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A mixed-used development project that exists now only on paper has taken a key step forward after getting the green light from the Vance County Planning Board with a special use permit.

As it appears in its conceptual form, Berry Village would ultimately have a mixture of single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, as well as up to 250,000 square feet of commercial/retail development, according to City Manager Terrell Blackmon.

With approval from the planning board, the project proposal next heads to the City Council.

“As this project pertains to development and growth, it would be a boost to the city’s tax base,” Blackmon stated to WIZS News, “but more importantly it shows that Henderson is a viable destination for future housing and retail growth and we expect to see more developers choosing Henderson and Vance County for additional development opportunities.”

The 123 acres is located along Dabney Road, and at least two full access entrances would be along Dabney Road, where it meets Ruin Creek Road and then at Allen Road. A limited access point is planned for Dabney Road just across from Blessed Hope Baptist Church.

This is the general area where city leaders have proposed constructing a new fire department. The tract would have city services, including water and sewer.

The commercial and retail space, as well as the apartment units, will be located along Dabney Road, with townhomes in several different areas of the site map and the single-family homes will take up a total of just more than 31 acres.

In a posting on social media, City Council member Garry Daeke called Berry Village “a planned community development unlike any we have to date.”

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ICYMI: Vance County Fire Services

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In the ongoing conversations among county leaders about the future of the Vance County Fire Department, many things remain unresolved. But when county commissioners approved the 2023-24 budget on June 14, a couple of issues were addressed, including raising the hourly pay for part-time firefighter to $15 from $14 and agreeing to conduct a fire study.

Following the budget adoption meeting, Interim County Manager Scott Elliott told WIZS News, “At the July 10 meeting, staff will bring forth the proposed scope of the work to be conducted by the fire study and seek board approval and for execution of a contract.”

Dozens of citizens – many of them affiliated with one of the county’s fire departments – attended a meeting of the county’s Public Safety Committee on June 7. Over the last 45 days in particular, citizens and those in the fire service have continued to express their concerns about the proposal from the committee to restructure the Vance County Fire Department.

Commissioner Dan Brummitt, a member of the committee, maintained that the fire department will not be dismantled; rather, paid staff would be reduced by attrition and more volunteers would be added to that department’s roster. The ultimate goal is to provide 24/7 fire coverage across the county, Brummitt said, but it can’t all happen at once.

With the budget in place, a hiring freeze in place, and the study coming, the board, with a great deal of county staff help, has preserved its option to act on the study, including amending the budget.

After the June 14 meeting, Finance Director Katherine Bigelow said, “What is being approved is freezing the four vacant Vance County Fire Department positions and their capital expenses consisting of turnout gear and fire boots, for example,” as she went over some items with WIZS.

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TownTalk: Repair Cafe Is This Saturday In Oxford

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Give new life to that coffee maker taking up space on your pantry shelf – you know the one, the one with a broken switch. And pull out that vacuum cleaner from the back of the closet. Yeah, the one that needs a new belt.

Bring them to the Repair Café Saturday in Oxford. Don Fick says chances are, you – with the help of a knowledgeable coach – will be able to fix those small household appliances that need some attention, but aren’t quite ready for the landfill.

Repair Café is setting up shop at Oxford United Methodist Church, 105 W. McClanahan from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please sign up for an appointment at https://www.repaircafenc.org/events/oxford-june24; the last check-in is at 4 p.m., he said.

Fick joined WIZS’s Bill Harris on Wednesday’s TownTalk and said the workshop is free to attend – they ask for reimbursement on the parts that may be used to fix whatever you bring in.

Usually, folks bring in things like lamps that need a new socket, small kitchen appliances or even stereo equipment – items for which repair shops often don’t exist.

The coaches and volunteers take a look at newer devices like flatscreen TVs, and if they don’t have the parts, the coaches can at least recommend where to find them. They don’t usually tackle cell phones or computers since there are places where those items can be taken for repair.

But the Repair Café is not limited to electronics or things that need to be plugged in – there are volunteers who can help with repairs from everything from clothing and jewelry to furniture more, Fick said.

“The rule of thumb is, if you can pick it up with two hands,” it’s ok to bring in for an evaluation.

Fick first learned of the Repair Café concept when he lived in New York, and when he moved to North Carolina he got involved with the “movement” in the Raleigh and Durham area.

“We want to push back against that temptation” to chuck something in the trash at the first sign of malfunction or failure.

Often, a quick fix or replacement part is all that’s needed “to prolong the life of the item, save money and save the trouble of going out and buying a new one,” he said.

Sometimes, the coaches will see a family heirloom that needs a little TLC.

“We can breathe a little new life for the next generation to enjoy,” Fick said.

Walk-ins are always welcome. Interested guests and prospective volunteers are encouraged to contact the organizers with any questions by email repaircafenc@gmail.com.

 

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TownTalk: Former NC Governor McCrory Talks Division In Politics

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In 2012, Pat McCrory was elected as governor of North Carolina. He served one term, having attained statewide recognition as mayor of Charlotte from 1995-2009. He lost a bid for a U.S. Senate seat in 2022.

No longer seeking election himself, McCrory in the last month has accepted a role as national co-chair of an organization called No Labels.

It’s not a political party and it won’t be endorsing candidates, but it has the potential to affect upcoming national elections, he explained, by offering voters a choice other than what’s on the traditional Democrat or Republican tickets.

McCrory was a guest on Tuesday’s TownTalk to discuss his association with No Labels and what it is working on at a national level.

No Labels, established in 2009, is oiling its political machine in advance of the upcoming 2024 Presidential elections.

McCrory cited recent polls that show voters are dissatisfied with the current frontrunners for President. And if Super Tuesday – the day many states hold primaries – produces a Trump-Biden race, then No Labels could jump into the race with its own candidates.

“No Labels is talking about running a bipartisan third-party option,” McCrory said. “A Republican and Democrat on the ticket.”

The main push now, he said, is getting on states’ ballots now. They have been added in five or six states, but the goal is 20 by December and, ultimately, all 50 states. “We hope to be in North Carolina in a short period of time,” he noted.

The group is expected to release a more detailed agenda in July with additional information about a variety of topics it will get behind.

He said No Labels seeks to provide a common-sense approach to address challenges that the mainline parties find little on which to compromise.

“I’m a conservative who believes the more competition, the better.” Divisions and failure to find compromise among political parties only create chaos, he said.

“I’m in favor of more choice,” McCrory said. And if No Labels does come up with a President/Vice President team as an alternative for voters, dissatisfied with the options from traditional parties, make no mistake: “It’ll be to win, not to be a spoiler.”

Read more at https://www.nolabels.org/ and listen to the complete interview with McCrory just below.

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TownTalk: Bee Jubilee Coming Saturday

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The 7th annual Bee Jubilee will be held Saturday, June 24 at the Granville County Expo Center. Whether you’re an experienced beekeeper or just like the taste of honey, the Bee Jubilee has something for everyone – from educational workshops and tasty treats to just plain ol’ fun.

Christi Henthorn is one of the event organizers and she said as the event has grown over the years, the Granville County Beekeepers group strives to focus on local vendors and artisans.

“Everything is homegrown, handmade bee and agriculture-related,” Henthorn told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Monday’s TownTalk.

“We have some really awesome vendors,” who will have all sorts of bee-themed inventory for sale. The Bee Jubilee will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be a food truck rodeo on site as well, so participants will be able to enjoy some food and beverages while they’re walking among the vendors.

This year, the event will feature a Honey Show, and Henthorn encourages anyone who uses honey or other bee products in cooking or baking to enter. She said there will be mead (a beverage made with honey), as well as beeswax entered in the honey show.

Anyone can enter the honey show, but Henthorn said entries should contain local honey.

A list of rules is available on the event Facebook page.

There will be an auction inside the expo center to help raise funds to establish an endowed professorship in apiculture at N.C. State University.

There are more than 80 county beekeepers’ associations across the state and they’re all working in concert with the state beekeepers group to help raise more than $600,000 needed to make the professorship a reality.

“We are on that track to get that money over the next several years,” Henthorn said.

Auction items should be brought to the expo center no later than Friday evening; entries for the honey show should be delivered between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

One lucky raffle ticket holder will win a year’s worth of local honey. The winner will be announced about 2:30 p.m. before the Bee Jubilee concludes.

Several workshops will be offered, including a beginner bee workshop at 9:30 a.m., followed by a workshop presented by a group of Master Gardeners about planting your landscapes with pollinators in mind.

The Facebook event page will be updated this week with the latest and newest information about the upcoming Bee Jubilee.

Find it at https://fb.me/e/4PAfZcPce.

 

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TownTalk: Study Scheduled To Measure McGregor Hall’s Economic Impact

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An economic impact study conducted locally in 2019 showed that McGregor Hall brought in close to $3 million in direct revenue to the city and county – researchers conducting that study looked at receipts from restaurants, hotels and retail to come up with this figure, said Mark Hopper, McGregor Hall executive director.

Hopper said the downtown venue is a big tourism magnet that attracts people from across the state and the Southeast to attend performances, competitions and more. By late summer, a second economic impact study will be underway to measure the extent to which McGregor Hall is bringing money to the area. Hopper predicts that it could be twice the amount from just four years ago.

“We have come back with a big roar in the past year,” Hopper said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. “We’ve added a lot of rental events (and) bringing in a lot of people from outside the area – people who spend money for food, lodging and more.

Known as a spot for performances and concerts, McGregor Hall also has become a popular spot for dance competitions.

“Next year, we have 15 straight weekends of dance competitions,” Hopper said. The various events hosted at McGregor Hall serve to infuse the local economy with additional revenue, which is its main purpose.

“We are first and foremost an economic endeavor,” Hopper said. “Even before the arts.” The arts just happen to be the way McGregor Hall contributes to the local economy.

The economic impact study is a good way to measure in concrete ways how the venue is achieving its mission.

The research is expected to be conducted in late August or early September, and Hopper said he hopes to have results by the end of September. N.C. State’s Municipal Research Lab and Tom White will come back to do the second study for about half the cost of the first one, since much of the foundational work has been done already.

Measuring a venue’s economic impact is relatively easy compared to measuring the impact theater and performing arts has on the people who participate and enjoy them. Researchers can study a store’s receipts and compare them with days or weekends that competitions or events were held at McGregor Hall.

But Hopper said he can only provide anecdotal evidence of the way McGregor Hall performances have affected the lives of patrons and artists who come to the venue.

It’s not hyperbole that “theater can change lives. And save lives,” he said. So many people have found a community within the walls of McGregor Hall.

That community “starts with the way we work with people,” he added.

More than 50 children – half of whom have no experience with theater – met for the first time Tuesday to begin working on Seussical Jr., a production of a two-week long theater camp.

In just over a week, that same group of youngsters will take the stage at McGregor Hall for the opening performance.

Children from different schools, neighborhoods and backgrounds come together for the grand sum of $50 for the two-week camp, Hopper said.

“Children desperately crave communities,” he noted. We can provide a healthy community, or they’ll create their own. We’re creating community for them in the best way possible.”

That’s an impact that surely will pay its own kind of dividends.